Regional councils struggling to recruit and retain staff will now have access to additional support, with local government workers added to the NSW Government’s Welcome Experience program.
The expansion means workers moving to regional areas for council jobs in fields such as engineering, town planning, road maintenance, childcare and community services will be eligible for assistance designed to help them settle into their new communities.
The Welcome Experience was launched by the Minns Government in 2023 as a pilot program across 11 local government areas to help attract essential workers to regional NSW. Following its success, the program has expanded to 88 council areas and has already supported more than 3,000 frontline workers to relocate to regional communities.
The latest expansion comes as councils across regional NSW continue to grapple with significant workforce shortages.
A Local Government Workforce Skills and Capability Survey found more than 90 per cent of councils reported skills shortages, while two-thirds said vacancies, skills gaps and training needs were affecting their ability to deliver projects.
Under the program, workers considering or accepting regional jobs are connected with a dedicated Local Connector who provides practical support before and after relocation.
Assistance can include finding housing, accessing childcare and schools, connecting with sporting and community groups, and helping partners identify employment opportunities.
Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said council employees played a critical role in maintaining the quality of life in regional communities.
“Council workers are vital to the liveability of our communities, from roads and waste services through to planning and community programs,” Ms Moriarty said.
“The Welcome Experience helps ensure new staff and their families feel supported from day one, which makes a real difference in attracting and keeping workers in our regional areas.”
Ms Moriarty said the program had already helped strengthen frontline services across regional NSW by supporting teachers, nurses, firefighters and other essential workers to relocate.
Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig said regional councils offered rewarding careers that directly contributed to local communities.
“You can really see the impact in the community your work has in a rural and regional council,” Mr Hoenig said.
“Local councils provide a range of services from parks to planning, childcare to aged care as well as libraries and tourism services.”
United Services Union General Secretary Graeme Kelly said the initiative complemented recent government commitments to local government apprenticeships and traineeships.
“This initiative by the Minns Labor Government follows their recent commitment in funding local government apprenticeships and traineeships, both of which will revitalise communities delivering the skills and services that regional and rural local government so desperately need,” Mr Kelly said.
Country Mayors Association chairman Rick Firman welcomed the move, noting local government was often the largest employer in rural and remote communities.
“In many rural and remote communities, local government is the largest employer, making its inclusion essential,” Mayor Firman said.
“We are confident it will strengthen councils’ ability to attract and retain the workforce our communities rely on.”
The expansion is expected to provide another tool for regional councils facing increasing competition for skilled workers, while helping newcomers and their families establish long-term connections in regional communities.
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